Natural Disaster Risk in Jesup

Natural Hazard Profile: Jesup, Iowa

Jesup, in Black Hawk County, is a town of roughly 4,269 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, hot summers, and frequent severe weather, and in particular a tornado-active spring season. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Jesup residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Jesup carries an overall risk score of 6.5/10, placing it in the high category. Drought is the leading natural hazard, with multi-year dry periods capable of depleting water supplies, devastating agriculture, and increasing wildfire risk across the region. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and winter.

Within Iowa, Jesup's risk is, slightly above the 5.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Black Hawk County identifies drought as the foremost hazard, followed by wind and winter. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Jesup residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for drought and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.